Training Device

ABSTRACT

A training device includes a sack into which weights may be inserted, and a tether. A method using a training device includes attaching the device to a person&#39;s leg, placing the sack on the ground, moving forward along the ground, and pulling the sack along the ground.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/755,887 filed Jan. 23, 2013, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of athletic training equipment, and more particularly to a training device that provides for the improvement of strength, endurance, agility and coordination.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Existing training devices for athletes or other persons with physical fitness goals, such as training sleds, provide a single resistance point for a person to improve the performance and output for his or her legs, and do not provide the means for isolated exercising of the muscles of each individual leg. Furthermore, many existing training devices, such as training sleds, attach by a harness to a person's torso, thereby requiring use of muscles other than leg muscles in order to use the training device.

Therefore a need exists for a training device that allows for isolated exercising of the leg muscles and furthermore isolated exercising of the muscles of each individual leg.

A device constructed according to the principles of the present invention addresses these deficiencies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict top plan views of an embodiment of a training device in accordance with principles of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a side elevation view of the embodiment of a training device of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4-6 are photographs of the embodiment of a training device of FIGS. 1-3, and

FIGS. 7-9 depict an alternate embodiment of a training device;

FIGS. 10-11 depict components of the embodiment of a training device of FIGS. 7-9;

FIGS. 12-13 are photographs of the embodiment of a training device of FIGS. 7-9, and

FIGS. 14-17 depict the embodiment of a training device of FIG. 1 in use by a person.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description considered in connection with the accompanied drawings. It is to be understood however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as definition of the limits of the invention. It is obvious that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of a training device 100, as depicted in FIGS. 1-3, comprises a sack 101, one or more weights 102, a sack strap 103, a tether 104, and a leg strap 105. The sack strap 103 is, or may be, attached or connected to the sack 101. The tether 104 is, or may be, attached or connected to the sack strap 103 and the leg strap 105.

The sack 101 comprises a flap 106 that may be folded over an opening 107 in the sack 101 that extends longitudinally along the opening 107 from the front 108 of the sack to the rear 109 of the sack, for receiving weights 102 to be inserted inside of the sack 101. The weights 102 are inserted into the sack 101 through the opening 107 and secured within the sack 101 by folding the flap 106 over the opening 107. There are two fastening strips 110 a and 110 b made of Velcro or similar hook-and-loop fastening material for securing the flap 106 over the opening 107. One fastening strip 110 a is disposed longitudinally along the flap 106 and the other fastening strip 110 b is disposed longitudinally and substantially parallel to the opening 107 on the side of the opening 107 that is opposite to the side along which the flap 106 is disposed.

One skilled in the art will recognize that means of securing flap 106 over the opening 107 other than Velcro or hook-and-loop fastening material may be used.

In some embodiments of a training device 100, the sack 101 is primarily made of nylon or similar woven, flexible and durable material. In other embodiments, the sack 101 is primarily made of material that does not have all of the aforementioned characteristics, and may have other characteristics. As examples, the sack 101 may be primarily made of a non-woven, flexible and durable material (examples are vinyl, leather and neoprene) or of a non-woven, rigid and durable material.

In yet further embodiments, the sack 101 is made partially or entirely of a rubberized polyester mesh, such as ToughTek Mesh manufactured by Harrison Technologies, Inc. FIGS. 7-13 depict a training device 100 made almost entirely of such rubberized polyester mesh 120.

An advantage of using a sack 101 that is at least partially made of a rubberized polyester mesh is that the mesh provides a desirable amount of friction or resistance against the ground when a training device 100 is pulled by a user along the ground. The resistance thus provided by the rubberized polyester mesh helps in keeping the velocity of the sack 101 relatively constant when pulled along the ground by reducing the degree to which the jerky and inconsistent force of the user's leg, caused by his or her stride while walking or running, is transmitted to the sack 101 through the connecting leg strap 105, tether 104 and sack strap 103.

Thus, in some embodiments of a training device 100, only a portion of the sack 101 that makes contact with the ground during use of the training device 100 is comprised of rubberized polyester mesh.

One skilled in the art will recognize that materials capable of providing friction against the ground other than rubberized polyester mesh may be suitable.

In some embodiments of a training device 100, the sack 101 is substantially a cylindrical shape, and is most suitable for containing weights 102 that are substantially spherical in shape. In other embodiments, the sack 101 has a non-cylindrical shape, and the shape may depend upon suitability for containing weights of a desired shape or upon achieving a desired behavior when pulled along the ground. For example, a sack 101 may be substantially rectangular for use with weights 102 that are likewise substantially rectangular. Moreover, the shape of a sack 101 does not limit use to a particular shape of weight 102. So, for example, a cylindrical sack 101 may be used with weights 102 that are substantially rectangular, substantially spherical, or other shape or any mix thereof. As another example, a sack 101 may have a substantially flattened cylindrical shape, to achieve the desired behavior of keeping a particular side of the sack 101 in contact with the ground.

The reader will note that the sack 101, as depicted in FIGS. 1-3, appears to have a contoured cylindrical shape, as opposed to a straight cylindrical shape. This is due to the fact that the sack 101 depicted in FIGS. 1-3 contains weights 102 and is primarily made of a relatively more flexible material, thus assuming a contoured cylindrical shape when containing weights. Other embodiments of a sack 101 are made primarily of a relatively less flexible material, and thus have a less contoured and more straight cylindrical shape. FIGS. 5-6 illustrate this difference, where sack 101 a is primarily made of a relatively more flexible material and sack 101 b is primarily made of a relatively less flexible material. Still other embodiments of a sack 101 are partially or completely compartmentalized, i.e., have a partial or complete compartment for each weight 102. Such embodiments may have the compartments (and thus the weights) arranged in patterns other than the linear, longitudinal arrangement depicted in FIGS. 1-3.

In some embodiments of a training device 100, as depicted, the sack 101 has a diameter 101 a sufficient for containing a weight 102 of a given diameter 102 a, that is diameter 101 a is slightly larger than diameter 102 a. The diameter 101 a of the sack 101, however, is not so large as to permit substantial lateral movement, or substantial longitudinal movement when other weights 102 are contained within the sack 101, thereby each weight 102 remains in place relative to each other weight 102 even when the sack 101 is moved along the ground by a user of the training device 100.

In some embodiments of a training device 100, the opening 107 in the sack 101, flap 106, and fastening strips 110 are disposed and configured as described above and as depicted in in FIGS. 1-3. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments are possible with different dispositions and configurations of means of an opening and securing closed the opening. For example, an opening 107 may extend longitudinally, but not the entire length of the sack from front to rear. As another example, an opening 107 may run transverse to the length of the sack. In addition, a sack 101 may include neither a flap 106 nor fastening strips 110, but instead may have an opening 107 that may be opened and closed with a zipper or other means of opening and closure.

In some embodiments of a training device 100, a sack 101 does not have an opening 107, flap 106 and fastening strips 110 as described above, but instead has an opening 140 at one end, either front 108 or rear 109, for receiving weights 102 to be inserted inside of the sack 101. FIGS. 7-13 depict such an embodiment, where weights 102 are inserted into a sack 101 through an opening 140 at the front 108 of the sack 101. An elastic band 141 may be disposed at the opening 140, for example it can be sewn in to the inside or outside of the sack 101 at the opening 140, or within a fold of material that is formed by folding the material of the sack 101 at the opening 140, and can be manually expanded by a user due to its elasticity in order to insert the weights 102 into the sack 101. Once the weights 102 are inserted, the elastic band 141 is released by the user and closes opening 140 in order to retain the weights 102 inside the sack 101. An elastic band 141 may be made of rubber, elastic, or other similarly elastic material. For example, an elastic band 141 may be made of Dritz 1″ Non-Roll Woven Elastic manufactured by Prym Consumer USA located in Spartanburg, S.C.

In some embodiments of a training device 100 with a sack 101 that has an opening 140 at one end as described above, a portion 142 of the sack 101 adjacent to the opening 140 is comprised of a material other than rubberized polyester mesh, for example, a non-rubberized polyester mesh, to allow for easy insertion and retention of the one or weights 102 into the sack 101.

In some embodiments of a training device 100, each of the weights 102 comprises a container primarily made of rubber or rubber-like material that contains sand or other material suitable for enclosure within the rubber container. Other embodiments of a weight 102 may use a container made primarily of cloth or a cloth-like material. In other embodiments each of the weights 102 comprises a container made primarily of a material, either rigid or flexible, that is capable of containing a liquid or gel. In still other embodiments the weights 102 are made primarily of a solid or semi-solid material. The amount of total weight contained within the sack 101 is adjustable by a user of the apparatus by inserting the desired number of weights 102 within the sack 101. In some embodiments of a training device 100, each weight 102 is approximately three pounds, however other embodiments may have weights 102 that are more or less than three pounds, or a mix of weights, where not all weights 102 contain the same amount of weight. Some embodiments, as depicted, use up to five weights 102. Other embodiments use less or more than five weights 102.

In some embodiments of a training device 100, a sack 101 may include one or more weights 102 as components that are not insertable or removable from the sack 101 or a sack 101 may have sufficient weight provided by one or more other components. In such embodiments, an opening, such as opening 107 or 140 that are described above, for inserting weights 102 is not needed.

In some embodiments of a training device 100, a sack strap 103 is primarily made of nylon or similar woven and durable material. In other embodiments, the sack strap 103 is primarily made of material that does not have all of the aforementioned characteristics, and may have other characteristics. As an example, the sack strap 103 may be primarily made of a non-woven and durable material.

As depicted, a sack strap 103 is substantially rectangular in shape with each of the ends corresponding to the short sides of the rectangle sewn to the sack 101. Other embodiments may use a sack strap 103 of a non-rectangular shape and may use means other than sewing to attach or connect the sack strap 103 to the sack 101.

In some embodiments of a training device 100, a sack strap 103 is attachable, and attached during use, to the sack 101 by Velcro or similar hook-and-loop fastening material. Such an embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 7-13, in which a sack strap 103 includes hook-and-loop fastening material pieces 130 a and 130 b, and sack 101 includes hook-and-loop fastening material pieces 131 a and 131 b. In use, hook-and-loop fastening material pieces 130 a and 130 b are attached to hook-and-loop fastening material pieces 131 a and 131 b, in order to secure the sack strap 103 to the sack 101. This arrangement permits the user of a training device 100 to replace only a sack 101 if it becomes worn or damaged after repeated use without the added expense of replacing other components of a training device 100, i.e., the sack strap 103, tether 104, and leg strap 105. Similarly, this arrangement permits the user of a training device 100 to replace only a tether 104 if it becomes worn or damaged after repeated use without the added expense of replacing other components of a training device 100, i.e., the sack 101, the sack strap 103, and leg strap 105.

It can be convenient, but it is not necessary, to detach piece 130 a or 130 b, or both, from piece 131 a and 131 b, resp., in order to insert or remove weights 102 into or from sack 101. Furthermore, one skilled in the art will recognize that means of attaching sack strap 103 to sack 101 other than Velcro or hook-and-loop fastening material may be used.

In some embodiments of a training device 100, a leg strap 105 is primarily made of nylon or similar woven and durable material. In other embodiments, the leg strap 105 is primarily made of material that does not have all of the aforementioned characteristics, and may have other characteristics. As an example, the leg strap 105 may be primarily made of a non-woven and durable material.

In some embodiments of a training device 100, as depicted, a leg strap 105 is comprised of a leg piece 105 a and an attachment piece 105 b. The leg piece 105 a is substantially rectangular in shape and has Velcro or similar hook-and-loop fastening material at each of the ends corresponding to the short sides of the rectangle for securing the leg piece 105 a around a person's leg. Other embodiments of a leg piece 105 a are of a non-rectangular shape. Even further embodiments utilize means of fastening a leg piece 105 a to a person's leg other than Velcro or similar hook-and-loop fastening material. For example, a leg piece 105 a may include a metal or plastic hook and buckle for fastening.

The attachment piece 105 b is also substantially rectangular in shape with each of the ends corresponding to the short sides of the rectangle sewn to the leg piece 105 a. Other embodiments of a leg strap 105 comprise a single piece (i.e., not comprised of two pieces), and a tether 104 is, or may be, directly attached or connected to the leg strap 105. Furthermore, other embodiments may have either or both leg piece 105 a and attachment strap 105 b of a non-rectangular shape and may use means other than sewing to attach or connect the attachment strap 105 b to the leg piece 105 a.

The variations of a leg strap 105 that are depicted in the figures of this application and describe herein are only examples of a component or arrangement of components for attaching the tether 104 to a person's leg. One skilled in the art will recognize that other suitable components or arrangements of components may be substituted for the leg strap 105 as herein depicted and described.

In some embodiments of a training device 100, a leg strap 105, leg piece 105 a or attachment strap 105 b incorporates a break-free mechanism. Such a mechanism may use, for example, Velcro or a similar hook-and-loop fastening material, or other means of connection that disconnects when a threshold force is exceeded, that permits the sack 101 to detach from its connection to the person. Operation of such a mechanism reduces the risk of the tether 104 breaking and striking the person, should the sack 101 get caught on something.

In some embodiments of a training device 100, the tether 104 may be in the form of tubing, a strap, any other form suitable for connecting the sack 101 to a leg strap 105. The tether 104 may be made of a stretchable material, such as rubber or vinyl. In other embodiments the tubing 104 may be made of a non-stretchable material, such as nylon strapping.

A tether 104 made of a stretchable material has the advantage of reducing the degree to which the force transmitted to a person's leg by the weighted sack 101 has a jerky and inconsistent character; this results in lowering the risk of injury to the person's knees and other joints.

As depicted, the tether 104 is attached or connected to the respective mid-points of the sack strap 103 and leg strap 105. In some embodiments of a training device 100, a tether 104 includes a piece of fabric, e.g., nylon or other suitable material, at one or both ends, and the piece of fabric, and thus the tether 104, is attached to a sack strap 103 or leg strap 105, by stitching.

On some embodiments, a tether 104 is made of a hollow, flexible tube, and sack strap 103 and/or leg strap 105 includes a metal (or plastic or other suitable rigid material) grommet through which tether 104 runs. A component is inserted into one end of the hollow tube of tether 104, thus expanding the flexible tether 104 and causing it to be retained by the grommet.

Other embodiments of a training device 100 do not include a sack strap 103, but instead have a tether 104 that is, or may be, connected or attached to a leg strap 105 and directly to a sack 101.

FIG. 14 depicts two training devices 100 in use by a person in a forward running mode. The leg strap 105 of each training apparatus 100 is attached to an ankle, and the person runs or steps forward, alternating between left and right foot, alternately pulling each training device 100 forward. This mode of use exercises the gluteus maximus, hamstrings, and quadriceps femoris muscles, among other muscles.

FIG. 15 depicts two training devices 100 in use by a person in a backward running mode. The leg strap 105 of each training apparatus 100 is attached to an ankle, and the person runs or steps backward, alternating between left and right foot, alternately pulling each training device 100 backward. This mode of use exercises the gluteus maximus, hamstrings, and quadriceps femoris muscles, among other muscles.

FIG. 16 depicts successive views of a training device 100 in use by a person in a side shuffle exercise drill mode. In the figure, the leg strap 105 is attached to the person's right ankle; alternatively, the leg strap 105 may be attached to the person's left ankle, and the drill performed similarly to the description below. The drill is comprised of the following steps and exercises the abductor magnus, adductor magnus, and gluteus medius muscles, among other muscles:

-   -   (a) The person stands with feet spread wide apart, pulling the         tether 104 taut,     -   (b) The person steps sideways to the left with the right foot,         pulling the training device 100 to the left, and     -   (c) The person steps sideways to the left with the left foot,         thus returning to the original stance (a).

FIG. 17 depicts successive views of a training device 100 in use by a person in a karaoke exercise drill mode. In the figure, the leg strap 105 is attached to the person's right ankle; alternatively, the leg strap 105 may be attached to the person's left ankle, and the drill performed similarly to the description below. The drill is comprised of the following steps and exercises the abductor magnus, adductor magnus, gluteus medius and internal obliques muscles, among other muscles:

-   -   (a) The person stands with feet spread approximately         shoulder-width apart, pulling the tether 104 taut,     -   (b) The person steps sideways to the left with the right foot,         crossing the right leg in front of the left leg, placing the         right foot to the left of the left foot, pulling the training         device 100 to the left,     -   (c) The person steps sideways to the left with the left foot,         thus adopting a stance with the feet spread wide apart, and     -   (d) The person steps sideways to the left with the right foot,         crossing the right leg behind the left leg, placing the right         foot to the left of the left foot, pulling the training device         100 to the left.

While a particular form and use of the present invention has been described above, the invention is not limited to the specific arrangement of parts or manner of use described.

One skilled in the art understands that modifications to the construction and use of the present system may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly to include other variants and embodiments of the invention that may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A training device, the device comprising: a sack; a tether attached to said sack; a leg attachment component attached to said tether, for attaching said device to a person's leg.
 2. The training device of claim 1, said sack being of substantially a cylindrical form.
 3. The training device of claim 1, said sack for containing one or more weights.
 4. The training device of claim 3, said sack comprising one or more compartments for containing said one or more weights.
 5. The training device of claim 3, said sack further comprising an opening for receiving said one or more weights to be inserted inside of said sack.
 6. The training device of claim 5, said opening extending longitudinally along the sack from the front of the sack to the rear of the sack.
 7. The training device of claim 5, said opening disposed at the front of the sack.
 8. The training device of claim 7, said sack further comprising an elastic band disposed at said opening, for permitting said one or more weights to be inserted inside of said sack, and for retaining said one or more weights inside of said sack.
 9. The training device of claim 1, said sack having a weight of at least three pounds.
 10. The training device of claim 1, said sack comprised at least partially of a friction-providing material.
 11. The training device of claim 10, said friction-providing material capable of providing friction sufficient for keeping the velocity of said sack relatively constant when pulled along the ground.
 12. The training device of claim 10, said friction-providing material being rubberized polyester mesh.
 13. The training device of claim 1, wherein said leg attachment component is capable of detaching from the person's leg when a threshold force is exceeded.
 14. The training device of claim 1, said tether being made of stretchable material.
 15. A training device, the device comprising: a sack; a tether attachable to said sack; a leg attachment component attachable to said tether, for attaching said device to a person's leg.
 16. The training device of claim 15, said sack for containing one or more weights.
 17. The training device of claim 16, said sack further comprising an opening for receiving said one or more weights to be inserted inside of said sack.
 18. The training device of claim 15, said sack comprised at least partially of a friction-providing material capable of providing friction sufficient for keeping the velocity of said sack relatively constant when pulled along the ground.
 19. The training device of claim 18, said friction-providing material being rubberized polyester mesh.
 20. A method of using the training device of claim 1, the method comprising: attaching said tether to a person's leg; placing said sack on the ground; moving forward along the ground; pulling said sack along the ground. 